Harry Potter: Don't Touch the Badger's Plants

After witnessing a trace of golden light appear on the Pruning Charm text on the system panel, Ciel's eyes burst with unusual brilliance.

During this period, he practiced the Pruning Charm in the abandoned broom warehouse every day. Not long ago, the silver luster of the Pruning Charm had already become quite brilliant. The success rate of cuttings after trimming plants had improved again.

Currently, the success rate for Lumos Shrooms was approaching ten percent. However, from that point on, the effects of daily practice gradually slowed. Although the silver luster was indeed becoming more intense, there was no sign of advancing to Gold Tier.

But now, after practicing Sectumsempra a few times, the Pruning Charm text actually showed a trace of golden light. It had reached the threshold for advancing to Gold Tier!

This was much more efficient than practicing in the warehouse.

Ciel confirmed his speculation. "The creation of Sectumsempra indeed seems to have some traces of the Pruning Charm within it. Practicing Sectumsempra has a tremendous promoting effect on the Pruning Charm's improvement."

Ciel felt elated. Originally, for his Pruning Charm to advance to Gold Tier through his own practice would probably take at least another month. But now with Sectumsempra's promotion, it should be achievable in about three days!

By then, the cutting success rate could probably rise another level. This would greatly help Ciel obtain more cultivation rewards.

Therefore, the disappointment about temporarily being unable to use Sectumsempra instantly vanished from Ciel's heart.

In the following days, Ciel devoted more time to practicing Sectumsempra. Meanwhile, the Halloween atmosphere in the castle grew stronger and stronger.

Pumpkin lantern decorations were hung everywhere. Besides that, each House also began preparing Halloween decorations with their House characteristics. Gold and red lion patterns, blue eagles, green snakes, earthy yellow badgers...

The Great Hall, where lunch and dinner were held daily, had completely transformed. Each House's long table had changed decorations according to their preferences.

Halloween costumes had become the most talked-about topic in the castle. Some wanted to dress as vampires. Some wanted to dress as werewolves. Hannah Abbott was trying to give herself real rabbit ears.

Even the ghosts were enthusiastically discussing Halloween. In this atmosphere, Quidditch training for all Houses was suspended. Time was needed for everyone to prepare costumes and attend the feast.

There was laughter and joy everywhere.

However, in this joyful atmosphere, some people couldn't fit in. Ciel was one. And Hermione Granger was another.

Ciel wasn't rejecting the festive atmosphere in the castle. Nor was he deliberately avoiding participating in the little badgers' Halloween discussions. He was simply too busy. His daily schedule was packed. He really didn't have time to prepare any Halloween costume.

Moreover, if he didn't know that Quirrell would cause trouble on Halloween night, making it potentially dangerous to stay outside, Ciel wouldn't even want to attend the Halloween feast. After all, over these past few days, the golden luster covering the Pruning Charm had become increasingly intense. It was just one step away from breakthrough.

Ciel really had no mind to consider other matters.

Hermione's reason for not fitting into the festive atmosphere was also simple. Just like in the original story, she was being excluded. Hermione was unhappy every day.

Fortunately, she knew Ciel would be in the Potions classroom every dawn. So every day before breakfast, Hermione would come early to confide some of her troubles to Ciel. This was what allowed her to persevere.

Even on the morning of the Halloween feast, this was no exception.

This day, the castle was filled with the sweet aroma of roasted pumpkins. Hermione didn't even want to eat breakfast and dove straight into the Potions classroom.

"Although I was mentally prepared, when this really happened, I still can't believe it," she said with visible distress. "Today is Halloween, and everyone in Gryffindor barely slept last night. They discussed enthusiastically what costumes to wear today. I was sitting right there in the common room, but not one person asked me."

She continued with growing sadness, "I also tried to join the conversation and offer suggestions, but still no one paid attention to me."

Hermione slumped dejectedly on the table and sighed. "I think I'm really being isolated. Although no one has said it directly to me, I also know I don't have a single friend in Gryffindor. Oh, except for Neville."

Ciel quietly listened to Hermione's rambling without speaking. Hermione actually just wanted someone to confide in. She was still quite strong. Usually, she didn't need much comfort from Ciel.

After saying about enough, Hermione's mood improved considerably.

"It's okay, it doesn't matter. I'll enjoy Halloween by myself. I'll tell you secretly, Ciel—my costume is the famous 16th-century witch scholar Julia. Anyway, remember to applaud for me at the feast. If not one person recognizes me, I'll really be heartbroken."

After saying this, Hermione prepared to leave the Potions classroom to attend Charms class. She was quite looking forward to this.

"Finally, we can start learning new spells today. The Levitation Charm—although I already learned it in advance. But maybe I can earn points for Gryffindor."

At this time, watching Hermione's departing figure, Ciel suddenly thought of something.

In the original story, Hermione seemed to have her heart broken in this very Levitation Charm class. She had guided Ron, who repeatedly failed at casting the spell. As a result, Ron completely lost it. After class, he complained that Hermione was "a complete nightmare."

Hermione, who had endured for so long, broke down from this hurtful comment and didn't even attend afternoon classes, crying in the girls' bathroom.

It was precisely because of this that when Quirrell brought the troll into the castle that evening, Hermione encountered the troll. Because of this incident, the iron triangle of Harry, Ron, and Hermione finally formed.

If Hermione hadn't mentioned the Levitation Charm, he would have almost forgotten about this. Regardless, Hufflepuff owed Hermione a big favor from the Lumos Charm final test. Just for this, Ciel couldn't really let Hermione repeat history and face the troll's threat tonight.

Therefore, after considering for a moment, Ciel called out to Hermione.

"Hermione, in today's Charms class, you should probably hold back. Don't offer guidance to others anymore. Just so you can happily finish this holiday?"

Hermione raised her eyebrows and said confidently, "Do you even need to ask? I've already learned my lesson. I absolutely won't randomly offer guidance to others anymore. No matter how terrible the spells others use in front of me, I'll definitely hold back. Really!"

Then, as if remembering something, she said to Ciel, "By the way, Ciel, I've been feeling a sharp magical aura surrounding you lately. Are you practicing cutting spells like the Pruning Charm? I've been holding this in for several days, but I must tell you today."

She continued with earnest concern, "Your wand is ash wood, which belongs to the most stable magical power among all wands. Due to the ash wood wand's inherent magical properties, when using this type of cutting magic, your wrist needs to move more swiftly than the standard gesture."

After saying this, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally said it! Phew, otherwise it would have been too uncomfortable. Don't worry, Ciel, this is my last piece of guidance today. I'll hold back, definitely!"

Ciel was stunned. Looking at Hermione's departing figure, he showed a wry smile. Could she really resist the urge to guide others? It seemed quite difficult.

Ciel took a deep breath and shouted toward Hermione's retreating figure, "If you encounter anything unpleasant, just come stay in the Hufflepuff common room. Today's password is—Save room for the feast."

Hermione turned around and gave Ciel a reassuring gesture. Only then did she leave his sight.

Ciel also shook his head. "Forget it, there's still a long time until the feast. I'll pay more attention to Hermione's movements in the meantime. I won't let her get involved with the troll incident. Consider it thanks for her guidance."

Then Ciel's gaze fell on the ash wood wand in his hand. If not for Hermione's guidance just now, he would have overlooked this factor. Different wands had different inherent magical properties, so some subtle adjustments were needed when casting spells.

Ciel waved his wand again. This time, his wrist movement was faster than usual.

"Sectumsempra!"

Sure enough, the sharp magical power of Sectumsempra was indeed slightly stronger than before. And the next moment, on the system panel, the golden luster on the Pruning Charm text suddenly brightened and covered everything!

Pruning Charm (Gold Tier), advanced!

[Chapter Complete]

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